Clock mechanism maintenance for Waterbury Arion timepieces
In January 2016, a charming Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock found its way into the hands of a clock enthusiast residing in Canada. This vintage piece, made around 1930, boasts a solid oak case, measuring 19 inches long by 12 inches wide with an 8-inch paper dial. The dial bears the "Waterbury" mark, complemented by a black and gold pendulum aperture.
The movement of this clock, a time-only movement, presents an interesting contrast between brass and steel components. The movement's plates are made of steel, a choice that offers increased durability due to steel's wear-resistant properties. However, this comes with its own set of challenges. Steel is more prone to rust and corrosion, which can negatively affect the clock’s longevity. Moreover, steel is heavier than brass, adding weight to the mechanism.
On the other hand, the movement features brass bushing inserts, a common choice in clock manufacturing due to brass's corrosion-resistant properties. However, the lack of sufficient brass in this movement has limited the amount of work that could be done with it.
The mainspring of the clock is oversized, putting an unnecessary load on the gears. Despite this, the movement itself is in generally good condition, with minimal wear on the pallets, escape wheel teeth, and all parts in general. However, the movement required bushing work, with five bushings installed on the verge, third wheel back plate, and second and fourth wheels front plate.
The author of this article prefers brass or nickel-plated movements to steel ones, citing the example of Arthur Pequegnat movements. Brass movements, with their lighter weight and corrosion resistance, are well-suited for precision and cost-effective manufacturing. However, they can wear down over time, particularly on pivot holes and other high-friction contact points, requiring occasional servicing or bushing.
When repairing a clock, it is advised to source a correctly sized mainspring for the movement to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. In the case of this Waterbury clock, replacing the mainspring is not recommended due to its low value.
In conclusion, the Waterbury "Arion" wall clock, while a beautiful addition to any home, serves as a reminder of the advantages and disadvantages of brass and steel movements in clock manufacturing. Brass offers corrosion resistance, lighter weight, and ease of machining, while steel provides superior wear resistance and ruggedness. Historically, many quality antique clocks have combined these materials to balance these factors.
- The enthusiast, while entranced by the vintage Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock, now faces the challenge of clock repair, particularly with the clock movements mostly made of steel.
- With the rise of smart-home-devices and gadgets, the owner might consider integrating this vintage clocks' movement into a modern clock repair, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
- In comparison to other manufacturers like Arthur Pequegnat, who favor brass movements for their precision and cost-effectiveness, the Waterbury clock's steel movement requires more maintenance and careful treatment to preserve its functionality.
